http://io9.gizmodo.com/this-iconic-scene-from-children-of-men-was-actually-an-840211730

• A long take “heightens the tension for the viewer”
• “the blood splash was the miracle [in that scene]” – Cuaron discussing an accidental moment during a long take where fake blood splashed against the lens, which subsequently became a defining feature of the shot
• “The whole film was a mistake” – Cuaron regarding Gravity, a film recognised for its hugely ambitious long takes and spectacular shots

‘Mistakes’, or unanticipated occurrences during long takes, could be considered side-effects of the ambition it takes to pursue a long take. The coordination traditionally required to execute a successful long take is intricate, creating significant opportunity for error. This is one factor that distinguishes the long take from other shot types: it is often praised for the sense of virtuosity associated with its making and unfolding, in similar fashion to how one might appreciate a deeply choreographed dance routine or stage show successfully performed before their eyes.

A different angle might be that these ‘mistakes’ are another distinguishing factor of long takes. They are partly what draw us, as humans riddled with error, to long takes. In this way, a long take is a glimpse into a different perspective – a certain way of viewing the world that may not occur to us otherwise. The longer the take, the more opportunity there is for unpredictable activity, which may be as significant as blood spattering upon the lens à la Children of Men, or as insignificant as an actor’s misplaced step. The captured moments that we don’t anticipate when shooting a long take could be considered the moments that we share with our audience for the first time. These are thus moments of nature, of life as it occurs around and before us. In this sense, cinema has a very unique role as an artistic medium with the potential to offer alternative shoes of perspective for the viewer to step into.

When the blood hit the lens in Children of Men, Cuaron called for the shot to be cut. He was not heard, so the shot carried on to its completion, ultimately becoming one of the most awe-inspiring and loaded long takes in history. Cuaron could have been heard, however, and this is where my interest lies.

Below I have included an excerpt of this famous long take – note the effect of the blood against the lens and the impact it has on the scene’s intensity.